5 Fast Food Gluten-free Fixes for When You're Hangry
I shall start this post with a disclaimer: this is not going to be an inspiring list.
It serves two purposes:
1. Accessibility - fast food is everywhere and for lack of a better word... fast. If you’re starving and want a safe option stat, this list (albeit short and stout) might just come to the rescue.
2. Nostalgia - many of us grew up with fast food (HPB, please look away) and associate it with childhood. Remember when the ice cream cone at Macs used to be 50 cents :”) Now it’s $1 something, and gluten-full, so that’s that. Regardless, let’s try to recreate a few of those nostalgic moments (and address those hanger pangs) with this small list:
(Note: This isn't a list of dedicated gluten-free restaurants. These are simply fast-food options that have gluten-free menu items. Whether they're suitable for you depends on your own comfort level with cross-contamination)
1. McDonald's 🍟
What's gluten-free?
Fries (Vegetarian, Dairy-free)
Hash Browns (Vegetarian, Dairy-free)
Hot Fudge Sundae (Vegetarian)
We’ve all seen the dedicated fryers, which is why Macs tops this list as one of the easiest fast-food fries to order. Just watch out for the garlic chili sachet as that’s unfortunately gluten-full. The seasonal curly fries and wedges are seasonal heartbreaks. But, they did have a star potato for a while, which was a crisp and fluffy gluten-free delight. Nonetheless, day or night, there is a fried potato treat at Macs. (Pro-tip: dip the fries in hot fudge sundae for the perfect nostalgic hit)
2. IKEA Swedish Restaurant 💙
What's gluten-free?
Almond crunchy chocolate cake (Vegetarian)
IKEA's Almond Crunchy Chocolate Cake is actually the famous DAIM cake, which carries a gluten-free label on its original packaging. IKEA used to sell the boxed version (the safer option) at their Swedish Food Market, but unfortunately, those days are behind us.
While the original packaging carries a gluten-free label, IKEA doesn't market or serve it as a gluten-free dessert. Since the cake is cut and placed on plates alongside other gluten-full cakes, cross-contamination risks are high. While meatballs and chicken wings are absolute no-nos, this choco cake (which is arguably the third most popular food item at IKEA) may work for you depending on your comfort level.
3. Guzman y Gomez 🌮
What's gluten-free?
Hard shell tacos (selected fillings)
Fries (shared fryers)
Corn Chips
Street Corn
While not the safest option around, GYG has a comprehensive allergen guide, which can help you to make informed choices. It is also an affordable option for a full meal which earns it some gf brownie points!
4. KFC 🧀
What's gluten-free?
Cheese Sauce
Aaaaand that’s the end of the list. Hey, I don’t know about you, but I LOVE KFC’s cheese fries. Now, the fries are unfortunately not gluten free, but the cheese sauce by itself is safe which I confirmed with KFC over email (read it here). Here’s my recommendation: get a tub of cheese sauce from KFC, and get fries from McDonald’s. Get home, get a plate for the fries, plop on the cheese sauce, squirt on some Mayo (I use Heinz), and top it all with some chopped spring onions. As a gluten-eating person, to me, this DIY cheese fries tastes much closer to the cheese fries of my childhood as opposed to what KFC sells now. Not necessarily the fastest option, but for the nostalgia of it all, ba-da-ba-BA-BAA it’s finger lickin’ good.
5. Five Guys 🍟
What's gluten-free?
Fries (Vegetarian, contains nuts)
Five Guys cooks its fries in a dedicated fryer, which makes it a safe option. Do note it’s proudly fried in peanut oil, which is exciting, until you also have a nut allergy.
Concluding Thoughts
Fast food is not topping anyone's list of gluten-free dining recommendations and that's okay.
Sometimes accessibility wins. Sometimes nostalgia wins. And sometimes you're simply hungry enough that a box of fries feels like the best meal in the world.
I hope this little list helps on those days.
And if you know of another fast-food chain in Singapore with gluten-free options, I'd love to hear about it. Every extra option makes life a little easier for our gluten-free community~
